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Retroactive Stop Loss Pay: The Army Perspective

By Major Roy Whitley, Program Manager, Army Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Program

Image Courtesy of The U.S. Army's Facebook Page

Perhaps the biggest challenges we’ve faced with this program are identifying and notifying Soldiers and veterans eligible for this pay. Historically, stop loss has been a force management tool and not tied to compensation, so we did not readily maintain lists of those held under stop loss. Prior to Congress authorizing this pay, the Army took proactive steps to review personnel records spanning a decade to establish who may be eligible. While the Army has identified 120,000 who qualify, we have consistently asked anyone who may qualify to submit an application. We’ve expanded our message to the broadest audience, to ensure those whose extended service may not have been captured in our database are still afforded the opportunity to apply for and receive the benefit they have earned. For that reason, we jump at opportunities like this one presented by the USO. Like all outreach activities we undertake, I hope this post reaches those yet to hear about the program, while serving as an alert to apply for the pay and to spread the word.

The Army’s Retroactive Stop Loss Program Management Office has been taking and working claims since October 21, 2009. To date, over 70,000 Soldiers and veterans have at least initiated a claim. The Army has completed disbursement of almost $200 million. Currently, we have many cases to work through over the next few months. However, as the October 21 deadline approaches, we’d like to see more claims in our system.

Image Courtesy of US Army Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Facebook Page

Through our work over the past year, we have learned a great deal about stop loss and the mentality of Soldiers and veterans. Many of those the Army has contacted directly are skeptical about this pay. This pay is real. The Army’s average payout is around $4,000. Many of those who hear about this program from a friend aren’t sure they qualify. The Army is encouraging everyone who believes they served under stop loss to submit a claim. Our case management team will review your submission and make a determination. If you think you qualify, you should apply. If you know of someone who may qualify, please tell them to apply.

We have read and heard some of the great stories born from this program. For many Soldiers and veterans, this is money they never expected to receive for their extended service. Mathew Ecker, whose son SPC Michael Ecker passed away after separating from the Army, received notification from the Army that his son was eligible for retroactive stop loss pay. As a beneficiary, our office worked closely with Mr. Ecker to ensure his experience was easy and successful. He wrote to us, “I just wanted to send you a thank you. Each time I contacted your office concerning stop loss, the staff was pleasant to talk with, patient, and knowledgeable. Their help alone made this process flow without any problems. You are free to share my experience, so others might benefit.” We endeavor to provide the same level of assistance to all claimants, specifically focusing on those who have been wounded and survivors.